A major storm rained down on Winter TV Press Tour 2014 this morning when The Weather Channel took the stage to blast DirectTV over their current carriage dispute. In anticipation of the channel’s appearance before a couple hundred journalists at the tour, it issued an ominous campaign late last night warning viewers they needed to contact their congressional reps to intervene, or else DirecTV would take away “its critical weather programming,” calling it a “public safety issue.”

TV critics at the press tour weren’t entirely drinking The Weather Channel’s Kool-aid. One critic noted TWC is a successful company owned by a big corporation, asking “Is it fair to declare it a public utility?” in what’s really a business dispute.

“Absolutely. And I’m not kidding,” Weather Channel president David Clark responded ominously. “If you’ve ever been in a severe weather situation and you need to make a decision to protect your family and you need to make it fast” you need “to know your information comes from a trusted source… We have a mission to serve that we take seriously. Don’t think you can stand a fly-by-night alternative to that,” he said, warning “you’re going to be putting your audience at risk.”

And by “fly-by-night” he meant a little channel called WeatherNation that the satellite giant’s subscribers might have noticed appearing right next to Weather Channel on DirecTV’s lineup in recent weeks, as the satcaster’s carriage deal with The Weather Channel is set to expire next week.

At Clark’s side on stage, The Weather Channel’s pricey new hire Sam Champion warned “there isn’t one,” in re alternatives to The Weather Channel in a weather emergency. “I’d love to say we can rest assured we’re safe in our homes because of BLANK. There isn’t one… Getting people ready, getting them through a storm that is the worst time in their life, is something I don’t take lightly, and this channel does it better than anyone else — anywhere . The Coast Guard, the Navy — everybody — police officers, fire officers watch this channel during emergencies to get information. That’s a responsibility that no one takes lightly. What we’re trying to say is we want people to have access to it.”

And what was the villain of The Weather Channel’s drama, while Champion was speaking so passionately? Up to some rannygazoo, issuing its own official statement blaming the Weather Channel fracas on “numerous customer complaints” about The Weather Channel’s abundance of reality programming.

Snap!

The scare campaign in the DirecTV kerfuffle wasn’t the only blot on the landscape during The Weather Channel’s appearance at the tour. The network also took a drubbing over its decision to start naming winter storms – a gimmick at which the National Weather Service has sniffed.

Champion jumped in to say he was one of the program’s critics – before joining The Weather Channel last month – because he is always all about helping people and he did not see how naming a storm Hercules helped people. He now understands, he said, “how quickly these storms move across the country” morphing from region to region “the need to track them in social media” requires one hashtag. This really works much better as a new way of tracking information” on Twitter and Facebook, he insisted, wondering how anyone managed to track a storm on Twitter before TWC started naming them. “Now you can track damage of a storm and its effects across the country and know it’s the same entity.”

One critic noted The National Weather Service isn’t endorsing the idea and asked, “Do you really want to have the perception you and the Weather Service are not on the same page?”

The two men insisted they have a great relationship with the service, though they disagree on this point. Tk added patronizingly “Often the private sector moves ahead of the public sector.” He acknowledged it’s gotten TWC “great visibility” but insisted, “We stumbled on it” and “our heart was in the right place.”

“We do think it’s an important thing to do” adding they’d be “happy for the weather service to take it over,” but, in response to a critics suggestion his channel back down, insisted, “we’re not going to stop doing it.”

In what has turned out to be one of the zippiest sessions of the tour so far, critics wondered if Al Roker had a future on the network, now that Champion was on board.

“I love me some Al Roker,” Champion responded, noting Roker’s show currently airs before his new show’s start time of 7 AM ET. “I can’t live without Al Roker — and I don’t think you can either,” Champion cooed.

Last month, word broke of the first successful raid on ABC’s popular Good Morning America on-air team. Weatherman Champion left to become managing editor, a producer, and anchor of a new flagship morning show at The Weather Channel. Not coincidentally, Weather Channel is co-owned by NBC, whose Today show is now regularly getting whomped by GMA, after monopolizing the daypart for years.

At The Weather Channel, Champion is joining his Today rival Al Roker, who used to be America’s fave morning weatherman but these days, not so much. Roker currently hosts WC’s 6 AM Wake Up With Al, but, of course, Weather Channel is in the early stages of a re-launch. This morning, Champion insisted Roker’s show is sticking.

From The Weather Channel’s statement:

“For DIRECTV to take us off their lineup would be deeply irresponsible to its customers who not only count on The Weather Channel on a day-to-day basis, but depend on us before, during and after severe weather events. As the most trusted source of weather news and information in America, The Weather Channel is there when it matters most. If we are not available to DIRECTV’s 20 million viewers, they will miss the accurate and life-saving information we have been providing for more than 30 years,” said David Kenny, chairman and CEO of The Weather Company, parent company of The Weather Channel. “We have offered the industry’s best rate for our programming and are committed to reaching an agreement.”

Starting today, The Weather Channel will begin asking DIRECTV viewers and all Weather Channel supporters to call their Representative and Senators in Washington and ask them to help keep this critical public safety resource in the DIRECTV lineup. Given the increasing frequency and severity of weather-related emergencies across the country, access to timely and accurate weather information is imperative for public safety and, therefore, an issue meriting Congressional attention.

The campaign, aimed at demonstrating the critical public safety role of The Weather Channel, will be supported by a multifaceted direct-to-consumer campaign that will include advertising on The Weather Channel, weather.com and on The Weather Channel’s mobile apps. Viewers who are interested in getting involved are encouraged to visit http://www.keeptheweatherchannel.com. Here, consumers can submit a letter to their Congressional representative and can find a list of Congressional office numbers to call to make their voice heard. Consumers are also encouraged to use social media to get involved with the campaign by sharing the keeptheweatherchannel.com URL, tweeting @directv using the hastag #stormdirectv, and posting on DIRECTV’s Facebook page.

Every day, 100 million households rely on The Weather Channel to provide critical and accurate real-time weather-related information. With more than 220 meteorologists, forecasting covers the entire United States from the national and regional level, all the way down to the hyperlocal street level. The Weather Channel also maintains two-way partnerships with public and non-profit emergency response organizations, including The American Red Cross, FEMA and NOAA, allowing for a constant flow and disbursement of critical weather-related information when it matters most.

140 Comments

TornadoChaser • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

As someone who knows severe weather I had to chime in here.

The Weather Channel is not what it used to be. I used to watch them all the time in the 90s. People like Charlie Welsch, Bob Hope (both RIP) and others where always on the air giving weather information that was useful and life saving. Then NBC came along and screwed it all up with reality programming.

When “life threatening” weather occurs they put WAY more commercials on the air. I remember during a Tornado Warning they cut away to commercial and 4 minutes later came back with the information about my area being threatened.

I’ve started watching WeatherNation and it’s a welcome change. It’s what the Weather Channel once was – simply the weather. Oh and the piece about TWC helping “public safety” – your local Emergency Management office will transmit warnings to your iphone (or any smartphone) via text message – and you don’t have to opt-in. It’s part of the the Emergency Broadcast System overhaul that took place years ago. So the Weather Channel is using a BS argument. Your reality TV shows are not saving anybody’s life.

BTW I love how all these “please save the weather channel” posts are on here. Me thinks NBC’s social media people are working overtime to flood these boards with positive comments.

*stands off soapbox*

Just Some Dude • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

I agree. There is NO WAY there are this many TWC fans responding to this argument. Most people aren’t even aware that DirecTV is thinking of dropping them. Looks like NBC/TWC have their interns flooding the boards. ‘saves lives’? Please!

Older Person American • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

We am thy elder person. We depend so on the Weather Channel Television Channel. We feel so much safter when it’s hone at hour home house. DirectTV hates the American Older US people for taking away the Weather Channel TV Station.

What’s next up? The Hallmark TV Television Station? The INSP inspirational channel?

Wii the older population of the Americans kneed the education and learnings of the Weather Channel. The Weather Channel shows us whether patterns but also neat pictures of abandoned places. This broad casting is invaluable incredible to everyone. Do not never take it away.

shirley • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

I’m an elder person too. I much prefer the Weather Channel.Have watched the Weather Nation & do not like it.

Mickie • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

The Weathernation is not showing where I live. I want the weather channel back. Nothing here is local for me. At least on TWC I got my local weather. No one tells the weather here in Upper MI.

great job direct tv.I am a 4 month new subscriber to direct tv very unhappy with your program choices. Now that the weather app is gone there is no reason to stay. I used it daily. I’m looking for alternatives, may just leave Dtv altogether, seriously considering my options.

Britt • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

These guys at the Weather Channel are IDIOTS
They are giving the Wrong number to call and harass Direct TV. Instead they are giving an attorneys number that is unrelated to this spat. But here is the catch that makes it funny….I am the lawyer they are calling and the only people that I get calls from are very elderly and they have cable not DirectTV. Sadly, the Weather Channel is a loser of a station. FIX THE NUMBER YOU ARE BROADCASTING YOU IDIOTS!!

Anonymous • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

IF you are really a professional,educated and respected attorney, your comment wouldn’t be so poorly written. I’m sure you don’t speak in front of a judge that way.

Jerry Koloni • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

You are right the weather channel is mostly commercials and dumb stupid stuff just high priced actor and actresses it is a waste of air time put some other channel on we don’t need to watch people that make millions of dollars a year just to talk bullcrap if you need to see the weather turn you local channel on it is A WASTE

Jeff • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

The fact that TWC would actually try to get the federal government involved is outrageous. Either they can work out a deal with DirecTV or they can’t. I am a DirecTV subscriber, and I don’t give a crap either way. I don’t watch TWC anymore. In fact, I can’t even stand to go to the weather.com website, as it’s nothing but a steady stream of commercials. I’ve switched to wunderground.com.

Joelct • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

Your comments are very true. In addition, during a storm the cable always goes out (including sat programming) long before the electricity, so you can always continue watching local channels for the BEST severe weather coverage. I always watch local channels during local storms because they NEVER break for commercials. They are the TRUE life-savers, not TWC.

Anonymous • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

Well put I absolutely thought the weather channel was great… I still remember watching it for the first time at my late father-in-laws… The continued to improve until NBC got them then some how the weather became politically related?? Good weather was the result of bleeding heart liberals and bad weather was due to any one who opposed their opinions…lol As for me the WTC is not much more than reality tv drama interrupted on occasion by actual weather information…

Tami • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

I absolutely agree with the comments that the Weather Channel has lost its focus, and I actually don’t watch it much anymore. I want PURE weather, not reality programs that fill air time. And, TWCs plea to get us to contact Congress on their behalf is disgusting, and someone needs to lose their job for that stupid recommendation. You are a corporation, we all know that, and you have lost your integrity of covering the weather with asking government to mandate your service. Go back to the old days, and get rid of reality programming.

Jan • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

They are really pushing some scumbag tactics on their website. They want you to comment about them being removed from the DirectTV lineup, but they are censoring anything that is not positive to them. Their perogative I guess, but lowdown nonetheless.

There may be a hint of worry that this will take a chink out of their armor and give someone else a chance to break their monopoly. …lest we forget, CNN was once the only cable news channel. After taking the helm for the global warming/climate change hoax the programming has gone downhill. Those like myself that just want weather reporting are hungry for what the Weather Channel once was…a weather channel.

It seems like lately on TWC there are stories passed off as weather related that have nothing to do with weather. Earthquakes for example have nothing to do with weather, same for tsunamis to be honest. These are just some examples, watch for yourself and you’ll see other stuff passed off as weather related that aren’t remotely relevant.

30secs on the smartphone app Weatherbug and you get the same information that takes The Weather Channel 20mins to report.

the networks and the carriers need to stop bringing their money-grubbing spats to the public. customers do not give a shit. they want their programming. they want a reasonable price. simple as that.

veritas • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

For the reporters at TCA:

Did anyone address the obvious, which is that The Weather Channel programs 40-50% of its schedule with non-weather news related programming, ie crappy reality shows?? They even stopped airing their weather news program at 10pm! After 8pm (primetime), it’s all reality programming! And much of it is schlocky programming!!

This is not a 24/7 weather channel anymore.

Did they introduce any of their new reality show programming for 2014? Of course not. They are spinning it as 24/7 weather when I dare you to tune in weeknights at 8pm and you tell me if they are doing weather news?

Directv is correct: More than 40% of Weather’s programming is reality shows. They’re not the weather channel anymore.

s stuebner • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

With relatives all over the country it is important
for us to keep track of the weather.
sas

wn • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

Then tune to Weather Nation or your local radio station. Done.

Glen • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

So go to the internet.

Miffy • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

I live in an area that experiences severe weather in the winter. I never tune into The Weather Channel. I rely on local TV and radio, and websites.

David Clark sounds like an unethical moron.

Skyler • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

It’s only half weather on the channel , plus the lucky folks on Direct TV get Weather Nation and local weather on the news so real loss plus Weather Nation is 24/7 weather

iPhone weather app • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

There’s still a channel thought Siri killed that

Lisa • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

Nothing funnier than a couple of weather Marys mixing it up.

Shannon • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

The Weather Channel is very important to my family…it brings much more specific, necessary weather info than our local tv stations, specifically during hurricane season since we live in the deep south.

AMEN from Panama City, FL. Thanks to all the local/ ‘away’ weather persons who definitely ARE NOT IDIOTS.

Natalie • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

I was actually inspired to become a meteorologist by TWC. I love how they get specific info. while giving us stuff LIVE! Whenever hurricane season starts, I get nervous. They cut off the shows when danger is present and Jim Cantore is always there for us. I LOVE TWC!!!!!!!!!!

Julia • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

Please keep the weather channel .Please believe it one of our favorite channel. we are elder we need it.

RuthAnn Hudson • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

my husband and I rely on the weather channel, TWC. We are older people and depend on TWC for our weather safety and knowledge.Please don’t mess with it. Thank You for caring. Earl & RuthAnn Hudson

francis rosenkrans • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

keep the weather channel. one of the best channel on direct tv

Mike • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

The Weather Channel is a “public safety issue”? Than make it available over the air! I cut the cord more than one year ago and I never looked back.
I don’t have to watch all the junk that is on 99% of the time on TV.
And for weather alerts I have the local TV and the local radio for free!

roberta greene • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

I love the weather channel.com please do not take this away from direct t v love the shows and all updates on weather

steveomedic • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

I miss Heather Tesch :(

Jozeph & Mary Heykoop • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

I believe they are doing a value service to the community,special when the weather gets bad.But they have gone down hill with their programs that have nothing to do with the weather.Cut out all the noncense.I want them to stay on the air as a real weather station like they used to be.

Judy • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

I go to the weather channel everyday to see the weather around the
United States. I would be lost without it.

Please do not close out the weather channel. This is one of t he most helpful and educational programs on TV. It also provides safety as you know what to anticipate when you venture out from home in the winter. At 85 years of age, I need this safety information .Also,I have learned a lot about weather patterns that I did not know before. Please rethink your decision and, if you must cut, there are plenty of “junk” programs you could consider. It is a public service which is invaluable. Thank YOU

TomF • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

These guys must be living in a delusional fantasy world where people still turn on cable television to get critical news — about weather or anything else. Websites, smart phone apps, Twitter feeds, text messages — those are the key vehicles, and when it comes to severe weather local radio matters too. But the idea that a TV network, especially a cable channel, is still “mission critical” is so 1970. Sorry to shut you down, Sam Champion.

krazijoe • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

WC is WAY serious! Look at how they name storms now!

J.R. Herbaugh • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

I have a weather app, and a radio, but apparently my life is at risk because I don’t watch the bottom of the T.V. screen during Heavy Metal Monsters, Prospectors, and Highway Thru Hell.

Dan • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

Maybe if you did weather and not political stuff they would keep you on. Can blame them.

Katherine Warren • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

Weather Channel is one channel I truly enjoy. The programs are interesting. This channel is one of my favorites. Lately, most of Direct tv channels are duplicated and not worth my time. Weather channel is one of your best.

Jacqueline H. Bray • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

I watch the weather channel every day because I travel alot and
I feel safer knowing what I need to prepare for. Please don’t take
it away. Im praying that you won’t.

Britt • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

These guys at the Weather Channel are IDIOTS
They are giving the Wrong number to call and harass Direct TV. Instead they are giving an attorneys number that is unrelated to this spat. But here is the catch that makes it funny….I am the lawyer they are calling and the only people that I get calls from are very elderly and they have cable not DirectTV. Sadly, the Weather Channel is a loser of a station. FIX THE NUMBER YOU ARE BROADCASTING YOU IDIOTS!!

Britt • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

These guys at the Weather Channel are IDIOTS
They are giving the Wrong number to call and harass Direct TV. Instead they are giving an attorneys number that is unrelated to this spat. But here is the catch that makes it funny….I am the lawyer they are calling and the only people that I get calls from are very elderly and they have cable not DirectTV. Sadly, the Weather Channel is a loser of a station. FIX THE NUMBER YOU ARE BROADCASTING YOU IDIOTS!!!!!!!!

Unknown • on Jan 11, 2014 11:31 am

Cutting off the weather channel is b*** **** ! those people work daily to give you weather updates to help and warn you! …Ungrateful people…